What was the name of Galileo's long-term mistress?

Galileo's long-term mistress was Marina Gamba, a woman from Venice with whom he had a lasting relationship during his years in Padua. They were not married, but they lived together and had three children.

Their daughters were Virginia, later known as Sister Maria Celeste, and Livia, who became Sister Arcangela. Their son, Vincenzo, was later legitimized and became Galileo's legal heir. Because the children were born outside marriage, Galileo arranged for the two girls to enter a convent, while his son's position was handled differently.

Galileo left Padua in 1610 to serve the Medici court in Florence. Marina remained behind with their young son, and the family relationship changed after Galileo's move. She died in Padua on 21 August 1612. Records from the children's baptisms do not consistently name Galileo as their father, reflecting the social and legal complications of the relationship.

Marina Gamba is sometimes confused with Marina Bartoluzzi, another woman connected with the care of Galileo's son. They were distinct people. The alternatives in the quiz are not established names for Galileo's partner, making Marina Gamba the single standard answer.